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Johnstech

August 19, 2009

Should British government apologize to Alan Turing?

MP3 - iTunes

A recognized genius in mathematics, cryptography, and computer science, Alan Turing cracked German naval code in World War II, and is thought to be the father of modern computer science. Despite his achievements he was treated poorly in his home country of Great Britain, which prosecuted him for homosexual acts, which were illegal at the time. That treatment likely led to his suicide in 1954 at the age of 41.

John Graham-Cumming, a British computer programmer, believes Turing is owed an apology.

Filed under: Government History Podcasts Tech & society

Comments (4)


You probably mean is OWED (not OWNED)an apology.

Posted by francois | August 19, 2009 1:55 PM


Indeed. Thanks for catching the mis-type...

Posted by Jon Gordon Author Profile Page | August 19, 2009 2:52 PM


We, the Brits owe a lot to him so your piece on Alan Turing was appreciated. I don't think you noted that there was a very engaging play about him in 1986, Breaking the Code, which the station on which I hear your work, KPCC in Pasadena, CA, broadcast as as radio performance.

Posted by Richard Berger | August 20, 2009 7:07 AM


Thanks for letting me know about Breaking the Code, worth seeking out ...

Posted by Jon Gordon Author Profile Page | August 20, 2009 12:29 PM

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